12 INTRODUCTION. 



but cows will usually take them. When it is neces- 

 sary to give a horse such medicines as gentian and 

 mix vomica, if it will not eat it in bran mash, give 

 it as a drench in a quart of oatmeal gruel. Oils 

 and liquid medicines are best given as drenches, 

 with the exception of Fowler's solution of arsenic, 

 which should be given in the food. Giving the 

 medicine as a drench is the easiest method for the 

 farmer and stockman unless he has a balling iron. 



Method of Giving a Drench to the ITorse. — Put 

 on a halter with a nose band, then take a small rope 

 or strap and make a noose about a foot long, push 

 this down under the nose band of the halter, 

 then into the mouth, and by this noose pull up the 

 head to a little above the level of the neck, so that 

 the medicine will not run down out of the mouth. 

 If the animal will not swallow tickle the roof of the 

 mouth with the fingers or the neck of the bot- 

 tle. Do not draw out the tongue nor pinch its 

 throat, as it may cause the animal to cough, and 

 it will either lose the medicine in its mouth or some 

 of it may pass into the windpipe. Great patience 

 is required in giving a horse a drench. Medicine 

 should not be given by the nose, as it is apt to get 

 into the windpipe, causing great irritation, and 

 probably the death of the animal. If the horse 

 should cough, let the head down until it ceases, then 

 elevate the head as before. Never put too much in 

 its mouth at once; give it in small quantities, and 

 when it swallows give a little more, and so on until 

 all is taken. 



Drenching cattle is much easier accomplished 



